Four Submit Proposals For Pittsfield Police Station Study

Pittsfield is expected to pick a firm to do a feasibility study for a new police station.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Four companies had submitted proposals to do a feasibility study of a new police station.

The city is paying $30,000 for a firm to develop location options, departmental needs and cost estimates. The study is the first step toward building a new station, which has become a greater focus as officers continue to work out of the 74-year-old Allen Street building.

On Thursday, the city's Purchasing Department accepted four bids: Caolo & Bieniek Associates of Chicopee, Jacunski Humes Architects of from Berlin, Conn., Dore & Whittier Architects of  Newburyport and Kaestle Boos of Foxborough.

The proposals will be reviewed by an evaluation committee consisting of Chief Michael Wynn, two other representatives from the Police Department, a representatives from city's Community Development Department and a representative from the Police Advisory Committee.

A change in political leadership has not swayed the focus — Mayor Daniel Bianchi led U.S. Sen. Edward Markey through the station in August along with Wynn and Sheriff Thomas Bowler.

Meanwhile, the Police Advisory Committee reformed and has done research on its own, including touring newly built police stations as well as the city's station.

Officers have cited a lack of space that hinders their ability to perform their jobs. The building had once housed social service agencies is no longer suitable for a police facility because of building code issues, including the lack of handicapped access, the addition of women officers and staff, training and technology needs, the use of cruisers and security issues.

Nonetheless, money had not been allocated to begin the process until this fiscal year.

Berkshire Law Enforcement Officials Endorse Fenton for Governor's Council

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:11PM / Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Michael Fenton, a Springfield attorney, ran unsuccessfully for the 8th District seat on the council in 2022. He is challenging incumbent Tara Jacobs of North Adams. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Ranking Berkshire law enforcement officials are putting their weight behind a Springfield lawyer for Governor's Council in the September Democratic primary over North Adams incumbent Tara Jacobs.

 

The Berkshires' District Attorney Timothy Shugrue, Sheriff Thomas Bowler, and Clerk of Courts Lisa Denault-Viale touted Michael Fenton's experience and approach over Jacobs, who bested him and two other attorneys in 2022.  

 

The Governor's Council advises the governor on matters relating to judicial appointments, treasury warrants, pardons and commutations, and a number of other important executive functions. The winner of the primary will represent the 8th District, which covers more than 100 cities and towns including North Adams, Adams, Pittsfield, Greenfield, Northampton and Springfield, as there is no other candidate on the November ballot.

 

Gathering at Park Square on Wednesday morning, Shugrue said Jacobs does not provide the representation Berkshire County requires and deserves. 

 

"This individual [Fenton] would conduct himself with a great deal of common sense and confidence," Bowler said. 

 

Fenton said there are only 11 Superior Court judges assigned to Western Mass, and that too few of them are from Berkshire County. 

 

"At one time there were four vacancies. That left only seven judges serving the entire 102 cities and towns of the western region. Seven judges serving 102 cities and towns at a time when you add Hampden County, Springfield, Holyoke, and Chicopee in, at a time when there were over 100 pending murder cases. Seven judges for 100 pending murder cases," he said.